What is the new CIES?

The HKSAR government announced the new CIES in the 2023 Policy Address, aiming to unleash the boundless potential of Hong Kong and attract global asset owners to settle in the city with the diverse investment opportunities available here.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have net assets of not less than HK$30 million to which they have been entitled throughout the two years preceding the application. An applicant must make an investment of a minimum of HK$30 million in permissible investment assets, including investing a minimum of HK$27 million in permissible financial assets and non-residential real estate, and placing HK$3 million into a new CIES Investment Portfolio, with a view to supporting the development of innovation and technology industries and other strategic industries.

Successful applicants are allowed to bring their dependants (including spouses and unmarried dependent children aged under the age of 18) to Hong Kong.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants aged 18 or above
• An applicant must have net assets of not less than HK$30 million (or equivalent in foreign currencies) to which they are entitled throughout the 2 years preceding the application
• Foreign nationals; or
• Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country; or
• Macao Special Administrative Region residents; or
• Chinese residents of Taiwan

Further details of the application

• Invest Hong Kong – to assess applicants’ fulfilment of net asset and other investment requirements
• Immigration Department – to assess applications for visa/entry permit, extension of stay, etc
• Permissible investment assets
  SFC-authorised investment-linked assurance schemes (ILAS) issued by insurers permitted to carry on Class C business, as specified in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41), is one of the permissible investment assets under Eligible Collective Investment Schemes for the CIES application.

Why HASL Asia ILAS as permissible investment assets under CIES?

We understand the challenges involved in planning ahead for your relocation to Hong Kong, especially when it concerns your family members. As a leading wealth-focused insurance company, we take pride in our specialised capabilities in insurance and financial planning solutions. Our offerings are complemented by professional financial services, catering to your long-term financial needs and meeting the requirements of the CIES.

• Diversified choices: HASL Asia is among the insurance companies in Hong Kong that offers the most investment-linked insurance investment choices*, with a total of over 310 investment choices covering various asset classes. These options include cash dividend, money market, and balanced investment choices. The policy currency options also include USD, HKD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, and RMB. Investment choices and types will be added from time to time, providing a diverse range of investment choices for new CIES applicants.
• Time efficiency: New CIES applicants can access through one ILAS policy a wide range of investment choices corresponding to the approved underlying funds regulated by the relevant authorities. There is no need for separate applications for each fund, resulting in a streamlined and time-efficient process.
• Easy management: Managing investment choices under the policy is hassle-free, as no separate investment declarations are required. This streamlined process ensures convenience for customers. Moreover, our online portfolio platform, In+, provides a user-friendly interface to easily track and monitor the performance of their chosen investment choices portfolios.
• Cost-efficient solution: Our policies offer customers unlimited free^ investment choice switches, providing the flexibility needed for new CIES applicants with a 7-year minimum investment period. This allows customers to adapt to changing market conditions without any extra costs. Additionally, ILAS is well-suited for long-term investments, making it an ideal choice for new CIES applicants.
• Cash dividend investment choices: There is a growing demand for cash dividend investment choices, and we currently offer 70* cash dividend investment choices. Customers have the flexibility to withdraw cash dividends generated from their investment choices, and such withdrawals do not impact the new CIES investment requirements.
• Global investment opportunities: Within the insurance framework, customers can seize global investment opportunities through diversified asset allocation, free from the limitations imposed by geography, currency or investment types.
• Seamless inheritance: Once the application of permanent resident is approved, our policies offer the flexibility to transfer the policyholder or life insured as required (subject to terms and conditions). This feature greatly simplifies asset inheritance planning, ensuring a smooth transition of assets.

_{*As of 31 October 2024
^Currently free-of-charge switching of investment choices} 

One-stop services
 

• Extensive support: Leveraging our extensive network, we offer comprehensive assistance to facilitate successful settlement of new CIES applicants in Hong Kong. Our support encompasses various referral services, including accredited accountants for asset auditing, immigration advisory services, trust and tax consultations, legal advice, and assistance with educational arrangements for family members in Hong Kong.
• Dedicated customer hotline: We have set up a dedicated "CIES Prestige Hotline" to offer our CIES customers personalised and convenient service, guaranteeing a premium experience.
• CIES reporting: As a financial intermediary, we strictly follow the guidelines of the new CIES and assist customers in fulfilling their reporting requirements to the InvestHK when necessary.
• Innovative platform: We are proud to introduce In+, our WealthTech online portfolio platform designed to elevate customer experience. With In+, users gain access to professional portfolio references, empowering them to make informed investment decisions and build their own customised investment portfolio.
• Streamlined portfolio management: In+ revolutionises portfolio management for ILAS with its user-friendly and comprehensive interface. Through advanced features, In+ streamlines the portfolio management process, enabling users to strategically navigate and maximise their wealth growth with ease, anytime and anywhere.